ENTERTAINMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12418, 30 July 1902, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dr Fulton', -who recently paid a visit to tho Islands, last night (Monday) entertained the members oi the St-. Matthew's Social Guild by detailing an account, illustrated by lantern views, of his trip. The islands, the. lecturer went on to say, are coral, on which a white belt of surf ever breaks; behind which lies abelt of clear, calm water with a background formed by the palms so characteristic of the Islands. The coral reefs were marvollous to inspect. In tbc limpid pools were myriads of lish of all colours and shapes, many of which woro poisonous. The'natives of Fiji were of a stalwart build and fine physique, The men prided thcmselves'in a fine shock of long hair, which was bleached with limo till it became white or nearly so. This was kept thoroughly brushed and cleaned. Bracelets abound on the limbs and cars of both sexes. The boar's tooth was a specially favourite ornament, and was a sign of rank. They were expert dancers, and [.ci'lormcd thoir actions in perfect rythm. The women adorned their home-made goods with foreign-coloured materials, which greatly'took away their value, and they could not understand a visitor purchasing a shell necklace in preference to imported German beads. The doctor graphically described the ceremony in connection with the Coronation festivities. All the natives assembled to cast off mourning for the late Queen. An important chief presented the usual symbol of fealty to-the Governor— namely, a boar's Uisk, Then the chiefs caino forward in a most respectful and feeling manner each to present so many sovereigns towards Greeting a memorial for tin late Queen, and on this occasion over 1000 sovereigns were .or.tiibuted, A native band also was described. The chief musical instrument was a tube of bamboo, open at one end and closed at the ether by the ratural knot of the wood. .These were thumped on the ground, and the various lepgths gave various sounds. Others clapped wit-h curved hands, and some had a kind of kettledrum. A low, mourning sound accompanied the beating, which was iu perfect time and rythm. The effect was.marvellously pleasing. Tho doctor paid high tribute to tho missionary zeal and enterprise. The pioneers of the gospel seized on the latest musical talent, and had cultivated it with great success. After . listening to a native band, provided with all modern instruments, the lecturer remarked, " I never heard anything like it in Now Zealand." The native huts were of a substantial type, on stone foundations, well built and ornamented with laced cocoanufc fibre and carving. The sugar canc plantations- were extensive, and were worked by coolie labour, imported from India, for tho natives, being for contunes unuccustomed to labour, did rot care to begin, Tho jiver scenery was specially fine, the mangrove trees forming a remarkable and novel feature. In tho transparent creeks water snakes abound. During a trip up one of tho' rivers the doctor was suvpriscd to see a native dart suddenly overboard, but he'soon appeared with a specimen of the snakes, about Sft long, of a black and white colour, The species was harmless. Altogther, the lecturer delivered a most in'eresting address, which made those who have not been yet privileged io visit this wonderland desire to go. 'He also laid out for iuspcctlonv a large collect-ion of curios, which he procured on his journey, to the great curiosity of all. The Vicar warmly thanked the doctor for his kindness, and paid him a high compliment as a lecturer. A very enjoyable concert was held in tho cosy little schoolhoußo at Saddle Hill on Friday evening last. The object in view was to raise

funds 'for 'he ptlfpcze of cEfivting a few ropsin*. to the water tanks, Notwithstanding tho inclemency of the weather there was a very largo' | attendance, the room being uncomfortably • crowded._ After a few introductory remarks by the Chairman (Mr Walker) the concert pro- . gramraj was proceeded with. Space will not; piimit of the enumeration of tlifc names of tbo various performers, suffice it to say that their.efforts were greatly enjoyed by the audience, who were by no means disposed to be too critical. At tho conclusion of the concert the chairman took the opportunity of thanking all those who so kindly volunteered their assistance, and who were in a great measuro responsible for the success ,of the entertainment. Refreshments were then handed round, and subsequently tho room was cleared, and dancing was indulged in. It was a very iiappy assembly that joined liandn Borne "wee short 'oor ayont the twal" and sang "Auld lang syne" Tho gathering then dispersed, and, like Bums' twiv donga, " Each took off their several way, resolved tao meet some itlier day."